Acquisition of in-depth and detailed knowledge of relevant issues in the history of early Christianity through the analysis of sources of different types and comparison with secondary literature. Acquisition of the scientific research tools and methodological principles necessary for reading the sources. Ability to express and communicate autonomous judgements on the issues analysed in a clear form.
teacher profile teaching materials
Saint Sebastian: Between Legend and Devotion
Course Description:
This course aims to reconstruct the early phases of the veneration of the (bi)martyr saint, Saint Sebastian. He is first recorded in the Depositio martyrum of 354, with a commemoration date of January 20, noting his burial on the Via Appia ad catacumbas, where the Memoria Apostolorum was located (later known as the Basilica Apostolorum under Constantine). Subsequently, he is briefly mentioned by Ambrose in his Commentary on Psalm 118 and ultimately becomes the central figure in the Passio Sancti Sebastiani, written between 430 and 450 by Arnobius the Younger, an African monk contemporary with Augustine, residing in the monastery established next to the Basilica Apostolorum. The course will particularly focus on analyzing this text, which enjoyed significant popularity. Students interested in exploring further may participate in a storytelling workshop with professional actors, who, alongside the course instructor, are engaged in a project to enhance the Basilica of Saint Sebastian in celebration of the Jubilee. This workshop aims to immerse students in the performative dimension characteristic of many ancient and medieval hagiographical texts.
Further bibliography willl be provided during the course
Mutuazione: 20702466 STORIA DEL CRISTIANESIMO ANTICO L.M. in Filologia, letterature e storia dell'antichità LM-15 N0 NOCE CARLA
Programme
Course Title:Saint Sebastian: Between Legend and Devotion
Course Description:
This course aims to reconstruct the early phases of the veneration of the (bi)martyr saint, Saint Sebastian. He is first recorded in the Depositio martyrum of 354, with a commemoration date of January 20, noting his burial on the Via Appia ad catacumbas, where the Memoria Apostolorum was located (later known as the Basilica Apostolorum under Constantine). Subsequently, he is briefly mentioned by Ambrose in his Commentary on Psalm 118 and ultimately becomes the central figure in the Passio Sancti Sebastiani, written between 430 and 450 by Arnobius the Younger, an African monk contemporary with Augustine, residing in the monastery established next to the Basilica Apostolorum. The course will particularly focus on analyzing this text, which enjoyed significant popularity. Students interested in exploring further may participate in a storytelling workshop with professional actors, who, alongside the course instructor, are engaged in a project to enhance the Basilica of Saint Sebastian in celebration of the Jubilee. This workshop aims to immerse students in the performative dimension characteristic of many ancient and medieval hagiographical texts.
Core Documentation
Michael Lapidge (ed.), The Roman Martyrs, Oxford 2018.Further bibliography willl be provided during the course
Type of delivery of the course
Course attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended. During the lessons, there will be methods to assess the profit through the interaction between teacher and students and the elaboration of a short paper.Type of evaluation
Final exam: oral. For attending students, the evaluation of the final paper will contribute to the examination grade.